Loss of Sounders announcer felt by many

The loss of an “original” voice of the Sounders has left a void in the local soccer and Hispanic communities.

Victor Hernandez, who died Friday at the age of 38 after a bout with colon cancer, covered Sounders games for Spanish radio for six years, predating the team’s leap to Major League Soccer.

“Victor was a friendly and familiar voice to many Sounders fans and he will be missed,” said Adrian Hanauer, general manager and part-owner, in a statement. “I would like to extend my condolences and sympathies to Victor’s family.”

In 2007, Hernandez and friends Noe Menendez and Rene Aleman began to cover games for the Sounders in the lower-division United Soccer Leagues, having to pay out of their own pockets for airtime on KXPA (1540 AM).

When the Sounders made the leap to MLS, so did Hernandez and his broadcast mates, this time covering the action for the team’s Spanish-language radio partner KDDS (La Gran D, 99.3 FM). Hernandez and Aleman most recently called Seattle’s season-ending defeat to rival Portland on Nov. 6.

Hernandez was born Dec. 10, 1974, in Los Mochis, Mexico, a coastal city in the western province of Sinaloa but was raised just outside of Mexico City in Hacienda Ojo de Agua.

At 18, Hernandez immigrated to the United States and earned his first job washing dishes at a restaurant. He eventually moved up to a management position and later worked briefly in real estate.

In the community, Hernandez had worked with Liga Hispana, a local soccer league, since 2005, sometimes providing equipment to kids in need.

“Victor touched many lives in a positive way and has earned the love and affection of many,” said co-worker Carmin Hatch, who has set up a foundation to provide support and resources for Hernandez’ family as well as others affected by cancer.

Donations to the Victor Hernandez Foundation are being accepted at any Bank of America location. Additional proceeds will also benefit youth programs through Liga Hispana.